Wanderers, hunters, and gatherers

12/20/2020 English German

Edition # 136
San Francisco, 12-20-2020

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Wanderers, hunters, and gatherers

Figure [1]: On the hiking trail up to Twin Peaks, there are wonderful views.

Michael As previously mentioned (Rundbrief 05/2020) we go for a walk around our neighborhood almost every evening to keep ourselves somewhat fit, even during pandemic times. By now, we have walked so many miles that Angelika's hiking boots have worn out, but we simply ordered the same model again from the outdoor outfitter REI, this time online instead of in the store. The next 10,000 miles can come.

Figure [2]: Anyone who has just moved in might find these mugs or the pet feeding machine useful.

It's not about the destination of the walk for us, but the journey. Sometimes we have a chat with the postman who is still delivering the last letters in the evening, or we laugh about a family on 23rd Street who sit on the steps of their house every evening and have happy hour with wine with their neighbors, who are sitting a few steps lower due to social distancing.

Figure [3]: This chair will probably have trouble finding a new owner.

We also marvel at what people in the neighborhood put out on the street with a "Free" sign, hoping someone will take it. Whether it's a collection of 100 LPs, a pair of no-longer-needed crutches, an old grill, or a worn-out office chair, each item tells its own story. Sometimes there's even an antique cabinet available, but I always have to stop Angelika because, unfortunately, we don't have space at home.

Figure [4]: So, the shelf was out on the street, free for the taking.

Figure [5]: Now it stands in our garage and provides storage space for our stuff!

Once, someone had placed a very sturdy, two-meter-high plastic shelving unit outside, and we immediately knew we could use it for our underground parking space to organize old junk that was scattered on the floor. So, we turned around, hurried home, and got the car. Fortunately, the shelf was still there. I disassembled it, we loaded it up, drove it home, and then continued our interrupted walk. Later, we set it up, and now the garage looks so neat and tidy!

Figure [6]: The blind see, the lame walk, and leave their crutches behind for the next person.

This practice of putting old junk on the street for others to take is not entirely without controversy in the neighborhood. Sometimes, neighbors get upset on the internet portal Nextdoor when stuff that should really be thrown in the trash or picked up by bulk waste collection sits on the street for days. When I put something out, usually old but still functional computer parts, cables, or tools I no longer need, I check again at dusk to see if anyone has taken it. If not, I bring it in overnight and put it out again the next day. If no one takes it by then, it goes in the trash. After all, I am a model neighbor!